Introduction
Whether you are chatting with friends in an online game, streaming on Twitch or recording a podcast, how you sound matters. Headset microphones often make voices sound thin and muffled, and laptop mics pick up every keyboard click. A dedicated USB microphone is one of the simplest ways to sound clearer, and it does not have to cost a fortune.
The GXTrust Ruan is a USB microphone aimed at gamers, streamers and content creators. It uses a cardioid pickup pattern to focus on your voice, has a tap to mute function with RGB lighting that turns red when muted, and sits on an adjustable metal stand. It connects via USB-C, includes a USB-A adaptor, and comes with a windshield and shock mount in the box. A headphone output lets you hear yourself in real time.
What makes the Ruan stand out is how much it includes. Many budget microphones skip the shock mount and windshield, or lack a headphone output. The Ruan bundles these essentials with eye catching lighting that suits any gaming setup.
We used the Ruan for two weeks of gaming voice chat, Discord calls, a few streams and some podcast style recordings.
Quick Verdict
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
Best for: Gamers, new streamers and anyone wanting clearer voice chat on a budget
Short summary: The GXTrust Ruan is a well equipped, great looking USB microphone that makes voices sound noticeably clearer than headset mics. Tap to mute with a red light is genuinely useful, the metal stand feels solid and the included accessories add real value. It will not rival premium broadcast mics, but for gaming and starting out in streaming, it is excellent.
Main pros
- Clear, focused cardioid sound
- Tap to mute with red mute indicator
- RGB lighting suits gaming setups
- Shock mount and windshield included
- Headphone output for monitoring
- USB-C with USB-A adaptor
Main cons
- Picks up some background noise in loud rooms
- Not a replacement for premium broadcast mics
Quick buying recommendation: If you want to sound better in games and streams without spending a fortune, the Ruan is a strong choice.
Where to buy: Check the latest price on Amazon
Product Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Trust GXT 1238 Ruan Illuminated USB Gaming Microphone |
| Brand | Trust (GXTrust) |
| Product Type | USB gaming and streaming microphone |
| Key Features | Cardioid pickup, tap to mute, RGB lighting, metal stand, shock mount, windshield, headphone output |
| Main Purpose | Gaming voice chat, streaming, recording |
| Price Range | £27.42 on Amazon |
| Materials | Metal stand and microphone body (see Trust for full spec) |
| Best For | Gamers, streamers, podcasters starting out |
| Available Variants | Black |
Design & Build Quality
First impressions
The Ruan looks the part. The RGB lighting gives it real desk presence, and the metal stand feels sturdy and stable.
Stand and mount
The adjustable stand lets you angle the mic towards your mouth. The included shock mount helps reduce vibrations from desk bumps and typing.
Windshield
The windshield helps soften plosives, those harsh P and B sounds, making recordings more pleasant.
Lighting
RGB lighting cycles through colours, and turns red when muted, giving a clear visual cue. It looks great in a darkened room.
Connectivity
A 1.8m USB-C cable is included, with a USB-C to A adaptor for older computers.
Features & Performance
Sound quality
The cardioid pattern focuses on sound directly in front of the mic, reducing noise from the sides and rear. Voices sounded clearer and fuller than with a headset mic.
Background noise
In a quiet room, the Ruan performed well. In louder environments, it picked up some background noise, so positioning matters.
Tap to mute
Tapping the top to mute is quick and intuitive, and the red light removes any doubt about whether you are live.
Monitoring
The headphone output lets you hear yourself in real time, which is useful for checking levels and avoiding shouting.
Setup
Plug and play on our PC. It was recognised immediately by Discord and OBS.
Real-World Experience
Our tester is a keen gamer who also streams occasionally. Previously, they used a headset microphone.
The improvement was obvious. Friends on Discord commented that our tester sounded clearer and less muffled.
Tap to mute became second nature. A quick tap before grabbing a drink or answering the door, and the red light confirmed it.
During streams, the RGB lighting added to the setup’s look, and viewers noticed the improved audio.
Frustrations included keyboard noise when typing loudly, though the shock mount helped. In a busy household, some background noise crept in.
Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear cardioid sound | Picks up some background noise |
| Tap to mute with red indicator | Not broadcast quality |
| RGB lighting | Keyboard noise if placed close |
| Shock mount and windshield included | |
| Headphone monitoring | RGB may not suit minimal setups |
| USB-C with adaptor | Gain control details not confirmed |
Who Should Buy This?
The Ruan is ideal for gamers, new streamers, podcasters starting out and anyone who wants clearer voice chat.
It is less suited to professional voiceover artists or podcasters who want broadcast quality sound.
As a gift, it is perfect for teenagers and adults who game or stream.
Alternatives & Comparisons
HyperX SoloCast
A popular compact USB mic with tap to mute. Similar purpose, minimal styling.
HyperX QuadCast S
A premium RGB mic with multiple polar patterns. Much more expensive.
Razer Seiren Mini
A compact streaming mic at a similar price, without RGB.
Trust GXT 238 Auron
Another Trust illuminated USB microphone worth comparing.
Is It Worth The Money?
The Ruan offers excellent value thanks to its included accessories, tap to mute and RGB lighting. It is a strong first microphone for gamers and new creators.
Final Verdict
The GXTrust Ruan is a well equipped, stylish USB microphone that significantly improves voice quality for gaming and streaming. Tap to mute, RGB lighting and included accessories make it great value.
It is not broadcast quality, but for its audience, it is an excellent choice.
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
Where to buy: Check the latest price on Amazon
FAQs
What polar pattern does the Trust Ruan use?
It uses a cardioid pickup pattern.
Does the Trust Ruan have a mute button?
Yes. It has tap to mute, and the lighting turns red when muted.
What devices does the Trust Ruan work with?
The Trust Ruan is compatible with PC and laptop. It connects via the included USB-C cable, with a USB-C to USB-A adaptor in the box.
Does it include a shock mount?
Yes. A shock mount and windshield are included.
Can I monitor my voice?
Yes. It has a headphone output.
Is the Trust Ruan good for streaming?
Yes. It is a strong choice for beginner and casual streamers.
